The final episode of ThunderCats (2011), “What Lies Above,” saw the ThunderCats facing the ancient evil Mumm-Ra in a final, desperate bid to save Third Earth. Ultimately, they succeeded in seemingly banishing him, but at a considerable cost, leaving the series on a cliffhanger that continues to ignite debate and speculation amongst fans.
The Climactic Battle and Mumm-Ra’s “Defeat”
The episode opens with the ThunderCats scattered and reeling from Mumm-Ra’s increasingly devastating attacks. Lion-O, struggling with the immense power of the Sword of Omens, realizes he must confront Mumm-Ra directly in his pyramid tomb. This is where the narrative takes a dramatic turn.
- Confrontation: Lion-O, accompanied by Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, and WilyKit & WilyKat, confronts Mumm-Ra. The ensuing battle is a spectacle of energy blasts, mystical powers, and desperate maneuvers.
- The Book of Omens: A crucial element of the fight revolves around the Book of Omens. Mumm-Ra attempts to corrupt and control it, while Lion-O strives to protect its power.
- Self-Sacrifice and “Victory”: In a shocking act of self-sacrifice, Lion-O seemingly destroys the Book of Omens, which weakens Mumm-Ra considerably. He is then, with the combined effort of the remaining ThunderCats, seemingly banished back to his tomb, a seemingly empty husk.
However, the victory feels hollow. The Book of Omens, a source of immense power and knowledge, is seemingly gone. Lion-O’s fate remains uncertain, though he appears to be alive, albeit transformed by the power he wielded. And Mumm-Ra’s last words hint at a return, suggesting that he cannot be truly destroyed, only temporarily contained. This ambiguity left fans craving more, and the series’ cancellation ensured the cliffhanger remained unresolved.
Unpacking the Ambiguity: What Did it All Mean?
The ending’s ambiguity is arguably its most memorable, and frustrating, feature. Several interpretations have emerged amongst fans:
- A Pyrrhic Victory: Some believe the ThunderCats won, but at a significant cost. The loss of the Book of Omens represents a loss of knowledge and potentially their connection to Thundera.
- Mumm-Ra’s Master Plan: Others theorize that Mumm-Ra’s apparent defeat was part of a larger plan. His final words suggest he foresaw these events and prepared for them, potentially setting the stage for his eventual return even stronger.
- Lion-O’s Transformation: Lion-O’s altered appearance and demeanor in the final moments suggest a significant shift in his character and abilities. Some believe he may have absorbed some of Mumm-Ra’s power or become a vessel for something even greater.
- A New Era: Perhaps the ending was intended to usher in a new era for the ThunderCats, forcing them to rely on their own ingenuity and strength instead of relying on the Book of Omens.
Ultimately, the lack of resolution makes it impossible to definitively state what the ending meant. It serves as a testament to the show’s strong writing and complex characters, sparking endless discussions and fan theories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the ThunderCats finale, addressing lingering plot points and fan theories.
Understanding Key Events and Characters
FAQ 1: Was the Book of Omens really destroyed?
It appears so. Lion-O seemingly shattered it with the Sword of Omens, though the true nature of the Book’s essence is never fully explained. It is possible that its power remains latent within Lion-O himself, or perhaps it can be reformed in the future. The show’s creators never confirmed or denied the Book’s complete destruction, leaving it open to interpretation.
FAQ 2: What happened to Lion-O after the final battle?
Lion-O is alive but visibly changed. His eyes glow with an unnatural light, and his expression is far more serious than before. Some theories suggest he absorbed part of Mumm-Ra’s power or that the Sword of Omens fundamentally altered him. The intention behind this transformation remains unknown.
FAQ 3: Did Mumm-Ra truly die in the last episode?
No. Mumm-Ra explicitly states that he cannot be destroyed, only temporarily contained. This suggests that even in his weakened state, he remains a threat and will likely return in the future. His final words allude to a pre-planned scheme designed for such an event.
FAQ 4: What was the significance of the “What Lies Above” title?
The title is deliberately ambiguous. It could refer to the ancient spirits that Mumm-Ra serves, the potential for new threats emerging from space, or even a metaphorical ascension for Lion-O into a new level of power and responsibility. It adds another layer of mystery to the ending.
Exploring the Broader Lore and Unresolved Plot Points
FAQ 5: What happened to the other mutants like Slithe and Jackalman?
Their fates are not explicitly shown in the final episode. It is presumed they were defeated or scattered during the ThunderCats’ final push against Mumm-Ra’s forces. The series cancellation prevented a proper resolution to their arcs.
FAQ 6: What became of the other Thundarian survivors?
The fate of the other Thundarians remains largely unexplored. The series hinted at the possibility of more survivors scattered across the galaxy, but this plot thread was never fully developed.
FAQ 7: What role would Grune have played if the series continued?
Grune’s story arc was left incomplete. He was betrayed by Mumm-Ra and potentially sought redemption. Had the series continued, he likely would have become an uneasy ally of the ThunderCats, using his knowledge of Mumm-Ra’s weaknesses against him.
FAQ 8: How powerful was the Sword of Omens truly?
The Sword of Omens is portrayed as an incredibly powerful weapon, capable of channeling immense energy and wielding the ThunderCats’ ancestral power. Its full potential, however, was never fully explored. The series suggested that it could be used for both destruction and creation, depending on the wielder’s intent.
Understanding the Series’ Cancellation and Legacy
FAQ 9: Why was ThunderCats (2011) cancelled?
While the series received critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, it suffered from low toy sales and inconsistent ratings. Cartoon Network decided not to renew it for a second season, much to the disappointment of viewers.
FAQ 10: Will there ever be a continuation or reboot of ThunderCats (2011)?
Despite numerous rumors and fan campaigns, there are currently no concrete plans for a continuation or reboot of the 2011 series. However, the enduring popularity of ThunderCats suggests that a revival is always a possibility.
FAQ 11: How does ThunderCats (2011) compare to the original 1980s series?
The 2011 series is a reimagining of the original, featuring a darker tone, more complex characters, and a greater emphasis on serialized storytelling. While both series share the same core premise and characters, they offer distinct interpretations of the ThunderCats universe.
FAQ 12: What is the lasting legacy of ThunderCats (2011)?
Despite its premature cancellation, ThunderCats (2011) is remembered as a bold and ambitious animated series that pushed the boundaries of what a reboot could be. Its complex characters, compelling storylines, and stunning animation earned it a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate its legacy. The unanswered questions surrounding its finale only fuel the desire for more and solidify its place in animation history as a series gone too soon, but never forgotten.